Atlanta Falcons
Encyclopedia
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football
team based in Atlanta, Georgia
. They are a member of the South Division
of the National Football Conference
(NFC) in the National Football League
(NFL). The Falcons joined the NFL in 1965 as an expansion team
, after the NFL offered then-owner Rankin Smith a franchise to keep him from joining the rival American Football League
(AFL). The AFL instead granted a franchise to Miami, Florida
(the Miami Dolphins
). In their 45 years of existence, the Falcons have compiled a record of 298–402–6 with division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, and 2010. Their only Super Bowl appearance was Super Bowl XXXIII
.
and the NFL, acting entirely on its own with no guarantee of stadium rights. Another group reported it had deposited earnest money for a team in the AFL.
With everyone running in different directions, some local businessmen worked out a deal and were awarded an AFL franchise on June 7, 1965, contingent upon acquiring exclusive stadium rights from city officials. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, who had been moving slowly in Atlanta matters, was spurred by the AFL interest and headed on the next plane down to Atlanta to block the rival league's claim on the city of Atlanta. He forced the city to make a choice between the two leagues. By June 30, the city picked Rankin Smith and the NFL. Ironicallly, the Miami Dolphins
became a Professional Football
powerhouse, winning two Super Bowl Championships, including the perfect season of 1972.
The Atlanta Falcons franchise began on June 30, 1965 when NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle
granted ownership to Rankin Smith Sr. The expansion team was awarded the first pick in the 1966 NFL Draft
as well as the final pick in each of the first five rounds. The Falcons drafted All-American Linebacker
Tommy Nobis
from the University of Texas
with the first pick of the draft
, making him the first-ever Falcon. The league
also held the 1966 NFL Expansion Draft
six weeks later in which the Falcons selected unprotected players from existing franchises.The Falcons selected many good players in drafts, but they still could not win.
The Falcons had their first season in , and their first preseason game on August 1, , losing to the Philadelphia Eagles
. They lost their first nine regular-season games and secured their first victory on the road against the New York Giants
. The team finished the 1960s with only 12 wins. The Falcons had their first Monday Night Football
game in Atlanta during the 1970 season. The 1971 season was their first with a winning record.
In the 1978 season, the Falcons qualified for the playoffs for the first time and won the Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles 14–13. The following week, they lost to the Dallas Cowboys
27–20 in the Divisional Playoffs.
In 1980, after a nine game winning streak, the Falcons posted a franchise then-best record of 12–4 and captured their first NFC West division title. The next week, their dream season ended at home with a loss to the Cowboys 30–27 in the divisional playoffs. In the strike-shortened 1982 season, the Falcons made the playoffs but lost to the Minnesota Vikings, 30–24. Falcons coach Leeman Bennett
was fired after the loss.
In 1989, the Falcons drafted CB Deion Sanders
in the first round, who helped them for the next four years, setting many records for the franchise. "Neon Deion" (a.k.a. "Prime Time") had a flashy appeal and helped bring media attention to one of the league's most anonymous franchises. Sanders was also famous for playing on major league baseball teams (the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves
) while simultaneously playing in the NFL.
In 1991, the Falcons drafted Brett Favre
as the thirty-third overall pick. During his rookie season, he played in two games where he amassed a record of 5 passing attempts with 0 receptions and 2 interceptions. The following February, Favre was traded to the Green Bay Packers
. The Falcons' 1991 season ended in a divisional playoff loss to the Washington Redskins
.
In 1992, the Atlanta Falcons opened a new chapter in their history moving into the newly constructed Georgia Dome. Head coach Jerry Glanville had never wanted to draft Brett Favre and traded him to the Packers.
In 1998, under recently acquired head coach Dan Reeves
, quarterback Chris Chandler
and running back Jamal Anderson
led the "Dirty Bird" Falcons to their greatest season to date. On November 8, they won 41–10 over the New England Patriots
, ending a streak of 22 losses at cold-weather sites. The team finished with a franchise best 14–2 regular season record and the NFC West division championship. On January 18, 1999, the Falcons upset the top-seeded 15–1 Vikings
at Minnesota
in the NFC Championship Game, 30–27 in an epic overtime victory. However, in their first-ever Super Bowl appearance, they were defeated 34–19, by the defending champion Denver Broncos
in Super Bowl XXXIII
.
In the 2001 NFL Draft
, the Falcons orchestrated a trade with the San Diego Chargers
, acquiring the first overall pick (which was used on quarterback Michael Vick
) in exchange for wide receiver Tim Dwight
and the fifth overall pick (used on running back LaDainian Tomlinson
). Co-founder of Home Depot Arthur Blank
purchased the Falcons franchise on December 6, 2001. Michael Vick saw minimal playing time in 2001, playing backup and learning the system under starting QB Chris Chandler. Vick was the named starting quarterback for the 2002 season, their first in the more geographically-accurate NFC South. Setting many records and supplying the media with numerous highlights for the season, including rushing for 173 yards in an overtime win at Minnesota, the highest single-game rushing total for an NFL quarterback ever, Vick led the Falcons to the playoffs. During their ensuing playoff run, the Falcons were the first team in history to claim a playoff win over the Green Bay Packers 27–7 in Lambeau Field. Their season ended with a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles 20–6 in the divisional playoffs.
On March 19, 2003, the Falcons presented their new logo. “The new Atlanta Falcons logo is fresh, strong and dynamic, and yet appreciates the tradition and history of this franchise,” said Falcons owner and CEO Arthur Blank. “The new logo depicts a more powerful, aggressive Falcon – one of fast movement. It is also representative of the evolution and direction of our team.” During the 2003 preseason Michael Vick broke his leg and missed the first twelve games of the season. After losing 7 straight games, the decision was made to release head coach Dan Reeves. Wade Phillips
acted as interim coach for the final 3 games. Although the Falcons won 3 of their last 4 games after the return of Michael Vick, they ended up with a dismal 5–11 record that year.
New head coach Jim L. Mora
was hired and Michael Vick returned for the full season
, when the Falcons went 11–5, winning their third division title and earn a first-round bye into the playoffs. In the divisional playoffs, the Falcons defeated the St. Louis Rams 47–17 in the Georgia Dome, advancing to the NFC Championship, which they lost to the Eagles
27–10. The Falcons
fell short again of achieving back-to-back winning seasons in , going 8–8. In , Michael Vick became the first quarterback in league history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season, with 1,039. After finishing the season 7–9, however, coach Jim Mora was dismissed and Bobby Petrino, the University of Louisville's football coach, replaced him. Before the 2007
, Vick was suspended indefinitely by the NFL after pleading guilty to charges involving dog fighting in the state of Virginia. On December 10, 2007, Vick received a 23-month prison sentence and was officially cut from the Atlanta roster. In the beginning of the 2007 season, the Falcons were forced to start Joey Harrington at quarterback. On December 11, 13 games into his first NFL season as head coach, Bobby Petrino
resigned without notice to coach at the University of Arkansas
, leaving the beleaguered players only a note in the locker room. Secondary Coach Emmitt Thomas
was named interim coach for the final three games of 2007 on December 12. The Falcons ended the year with a dismal 4–12 record.
On January 13, 2008, the Falcons named the former Patriots director of college football scouting Thomas Dimitroff
General Manager. On January 23, 2008, Jacksonville Jaguars
defensive coach and former linebackers coach for the 2000 Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens Mike Smith was named the Falcons' new head coach. On March 2, Michael Turner agreed to a 6-year deal worth $30 million. On April 26, Matt Ryan
(quarterback from Boston College) was drafted third overall in the 2008 NFL Draft
. He started all 16 games in his rookie season and was named the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Falcons finished the 2008 regular season with a record of 11–5. On December 21, 2008, Atlanta Falcons beat the Minnesota Vikings 24–17 to clinch a wild card spot, earning a trip to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The Falcons would go on to lose in the wild-card round of the 2008 NFL playoffs to the eventual NFC champion Arizona Cardinals
, 30–24.
The Atlanta Falcons hold the record among all major American sports leagues for the longest streak of seasons without consecutive winning seasons, a streak that lasted from 1966–2008. Though they failed to make the playoffs, the streak ended in 2009 when the Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20–10 in the final game of the season to improve their record to 9–7. In 2010, with a regular season record of 13–3, their best regular season record since the 1998 Super Bowl season, the Falcons secured a third straight winning season, their fourth overall divisional title, and the top overall seed in the NFC playoffs; however, the Falcons were overpowered by the eventual Super Bowl XLV
champion Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs 48–21.
in the 2011 NFL Draft
to select Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones
. In exchange, the Falcons gave up their first, second and fourth round draft picks in 2011, and their first and fourth draft picks in 2012.
On August 30, 2011, Sports Illustrated senior writer Peter King, who correctly predicted the 2011 Super Bowl, made his predictions this year and picked the Falcons to defeat the San Diego Chargers in the 2012 Super Bowl.
When the team debuted in 1966
, the Falcons wore red helmets with a black falcon crest logo. In the center of the helmet was a center black stripe surrounded by 2 gold stripes and 2 white stripes, These colors represented the two college rival schools in the state of Georgia; rival schools Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
(White and Gold) and the Georgia Bulldogs
(Red and Black) Although the gold was later taken out, the white remains to this day. They wore white pants and either black or white jerseys. At first, the falcon crest logo was also put on the jersey sleeves, but it was replaced by a red and white stripe pattern four years later. They switched from black to red jerseys in 1971, and the club began to wear silver pants in 1978.
A prototype white helmet was developed for the team prior to the 1974 season
but was never worn.
In 1990
, the uniform design changed to black helmets, silver pants, and either black or white jerseys. The numbers on the white jerseys were black, but were changed to red in 1997
. (The red numerals could be seen on the away jerseys briefly in 1990.)
Both the logo and uniforms changed in 2003
. The logo was redesigned with red and silver accents to depict a more powerful, aggressive falcon, which now more closely resembles the capital letter F. Although the Falcons still wore black helmets, the new uniforms featured jerseys and pants with red trim down the sides. The uniform design consisted of either black or white jerseys, and either black or white pants. During that same year, a red alternate jersey with black trim was also introduced. The Falcons also started wearing black cleats with these uniforms.
In 2004
, the red jerseys became the primary jerseys, and the black ones became the alternate, both worn with white pants. In select road games, the Falcons wear black pants with white jerseys. The Falcons wore an all-black combination for home games against their archrivals, the New Orleans Saints
, winning the first two contests (24–21 in and 36–17 in ), but losing 31–13 in . The Falcons wore the all black combination against the New Orleans Saints for 4 straight seasons starting in 2004, With the last time being in 2007, losing 34–14. They wore the combination again in 2006, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
in Week 2. The Falcons won that game, 14–3. The Falcons also wore their all-black uniform in 2007 against the New York Giants, and in 2008 against the Carolina Panthers and against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (for the second time).
In the 1980s, the Falcons wore their white uniforms at home most of the time because of the heat. When the Falcons started playing in a dome, the team switched to their dark uniforms for home games but have worn their white uniforms at home a few times since switching to the dome. It was announced at the 2009 state of the franchise meeting that the Falcons would wear 1966 throwback uniforms for a couple games during the 2009 season. The Atlanta Falcons wore 1966 throwback jerseys for 2 home games in 2009 – against the Carolina Panthers on September 20 and against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 29. Both of those game the Falcons won. They donned the throwbacks again for 2 games in 2010, against Baltimore and San Francisco, winning both of those games as well.
|-
| San Diego Chargers
|| 7 || 1 || 0 || .875 || W 22–16 || Nov 30, 2008 || San Diego ||
|-
|Carolina Panthers
|| 21 || 12 || 0 || .636 || W 31–17|| Oct 16, 2011 || Atlanta ||
|-
| New York Jets
|| 6 || 4 || 0 || .600 || W 10–7 || Dec 20, 2009 || East Rutherford ||
|-
| Buffalo Bills
|| 6 || 4 || 0 || .600 || W 31–3 || Dec 27, 2009 || Atlanta ||
|-
| New Orleans Saints
|| 46 || 39 || 0 || .553 || L 26-23(OT)|| Nov 13, 2011 || Atlanta || 1–0 postseason
|-
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers
|| 18 || 19 || 0 || .486 || L 16–13 || Sep 25, 2011 || Tampa Bay ||
|-
| Chicago Bears
|| 13 || 13 || 0 || .500 || L 30–12 || Sep 11, 2011 || Chicago ||
|-
| New York Giants
|| 10 || 10 || 0 || .500 || L 34–31 || Nov 22, 2009 || New York ||
|-
| Houston Texans
|| 1 || 1 || 0 || .500 || W 26–16 || Sep 30, 2007 || Atlanta ||
|-
| New England Patriots
|| 6 || 6 || 0 || .500 || L 10–26 || Sep 27, 2009 || Foxborough ||
|-
| Baltimore Ravens
|| 2 || 2 || 0 || .500 || W 26–21 || Nov 11, 2010 || Atlanta ||
|-
| Green Bay Packers
|| 13 || 15 || 0 || .464 || L 25–14 || Oct 9, 2011 || Atlanta || 1–2 postseason
|-
| Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans
|| 6 || 7 || 0 || .462 || W 23–17 || Nov 20, 2011 || Atlanta ||
|-
| Denver Broncos
|| 4 || 9 || 0 || .444 || L 24–20 || Nov 16, 2008 || Atlanta || 0–1 postseason
|-
| St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals
|| 11 || 15 || 0 || .423 || W 41–7 || Sep 19, 2010 || Atlanta || 0–1 postseason
|-
| Cincinnati Bengals
|| 5 || 7 || 0 || .417 || W 39–32 || Oct 24, 2010 || Atlanta ||
|-
| Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders
|| 5 || 7 || 0 || .417 || W 24–0 || Nov 2, 2008 || Oakland ||
|-
| Philadelphia Eagles
|| 12 || 17 || 1 || .414 || W 35–31 || Sep 18, 2011 || Atlanta || 1–2 postseason
|-
| Minnesota Vikings
|| 11 || 16 || 0 || .407 || W 24–14 || Nov 27, 2011 || Atlanta || 1–1 postseason
|-
| San Francisco 49ers
|| 30 || 44 || 1 || .399 || W 16–14 || Oct 3, 2010 || Atlanta || 1–0 postseason
|-
| Seattle Seahawks
|| 6 || 8 || 0 || .385 || W 30-28 || Oct 2, 2011 || Seattle ||
|-
| Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams
|| 27 || 47 || 2 || .368 || W 34–17 || Nov 21, 2010 || St. Louis || 1–0 postseason
|-
| Miami Dolphins
|| 4 || 7 || 0 || .364 || W 19–7 || Sep 13, 2009 || Atlanta ||
|-
| Dallas Cowboys
|| 8 || 16 || 0 || .333 || L 37–21 || Oct 25, 2009 || Dallas || 0–2 postseason
|-
| Detroit Lions
|| 11 || 23 || 0 || .324 || W 23-16 || Oct 23, 2011 || Detroit ||
|-
| Washington Redskins
|| 6 || 15 || 1 || .295 || W 31–17 || Nov 8, 2009 || Atlanta || 0–1 postseason
|-
| Jacksonville Jaguars
|| 1 || 3 || 0 || .250 || L 13–7 || Sep 16, 2007 || Jacksonville ||
|-
| Kansas City Chiefs
|| 2 || 5 || 0 || .286 || W 38–14 || Sep 21, 2008 || Atlanta ||
|-
| Cleveland Browns
|| 3 || 10 || 0 || .231 || W 20–10 || Oct 10, 2010 || Cleveland ||
|-
| Pittsburgh Steelers
|| 3 || 12 || 1 || .167 || L 15–9 (OT) || Sep 12, 2010 || Pittsburgh ||
|-
| Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts
|| 2 || 13 || 0 || .133 || W 31–7 || Nov 6, 2011 || Indianapolis ||
|-
| Total || 305 || 402 || 6 || .432 || || || || 6–9 (.400)
Deion is the only Hall of Famer that has been inducted based substantially on his service with the Falcons; however, two inductees played briefly for the Falcons during their careers:
Star 94 FM, and WQXI
790 AM "The Zone", previously held since 2006 by WZGC 92.9 "Dave FM." Wes Durham
, voice of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
and son of longtime North Carolina Tar Heels
voice Woody Durham
, is the Falcons' play-by-play announcer. Preseason games not shown nationally television (except NBC-aired games) are seen on NBC
affiliate WXIA, also known as "11 Alive." In 2008, preseason games aired on WATL-TV due to WXIA's commitment to the 2008 Summer Olympics
. Both stations are owned by Gannett Company
.
Fox affiliate WAGA-TV
aired most preseason games through the 2004 season. WAGA continues to have a relationship with the Falcons as their primary broadcaster of regular season games (serving in this capacity since the Falcons started play), which dates back to when WAGA was a CBS
affiliate and the NFL/NFC games were on CBS. WATL aired most Falcons games in 1994, as WAGA did not switch to Fox until December 1994.
Atlanta Falcon fans are more prevalent in western North Carolina due to the fact the Carolina Panthers only existed since 1996. Historically, they can be found generally west of Interstate 26 from Asheville to Murphy. East of Interstate 26 is considered a neutral zone but eventually, the majority were Washington Redskin fans.
, to sign autographs, and enhance the troops' morale.
While there, the cheerleaders toured the detention camps' hospital, and Camp IV, Camp V, & Camp VI.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
team based in Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
. They are a member of the South Division
NFC South
The NFC South is a division in the National Football Conference of the National Football League. It was created prior to the 2002 NFL season, when the league realigned divisions after expanding to 32 teams. The NFC South currently has four members: the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New...
of the National Football Conference
National Football Conference
The National Football Conference is one of the two conferences of the National Football League . This conference and its counterpart, the American Football Conference , currently contain 16 teams each, making up the 32 teams of the NFL.-Current teams:Since 2002, the NFC has comprised 16 teams,...
(NFC) in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
(NFL). The Falcons joined the NFL in 1965 as an expansion team
Expansion team
An expansion team is a brand new team in a sports league. The term is most commonly used in reference to the North American major professional sports leagues, but is applied to sports leagues worldwide that use a closed franchise system of league membership. The term comes from the expansion of the...
, after the NFL offered then-owner Rankin Smith a franchise to keep him from joining the rival American Football League
American Football League
The American Football League was a major American Professional Football league that operated from 1960 until 1969, when the established National Football League merged with it. The upstart AFL operated in direct competition with the more established NFL throughout its existence...
(AFL). The AFL instead granted a franchise to Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida
Miami is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, the most populous county in Florida and the eighth-most populous county in the United States with a population of 2,500,625...
(the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
). In their 45 years of existence, the Falcons have compiled a record of 298–402–6 with division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, and 2010. Their only Super Bowl appearance was Super Bowl XXXIII
Super Bowl XXXIII
Super Bowl XXXIII was an American football game played on January 31, 1999, at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion, following the 1998 regular season. The American Football Conference champion Denver Broncos defeated the National Football...
.
Franchise history
Once a stadium, Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, was built, Atlantans felt the time was right to start pursuing professional football. One independent group which had been active in NFL exhibition promotions in Atlanta applied for franchises in both the American Football LeagueAmerican Football League
The American Football League was a major American Professional Football league that operated from 1960 until 1969, when the established National Football League merged with it. The upstart AFL operated in direct competition with the more established NFL throughout its existence...
and the NFL, acting entirely on its own with no guarantee of stadium rights. Another group reported it had deposited earnest money for a team in the AFL.
With everyone running in different directions, some local businessmen worked out a deal and were awarded an AFL franchise on June 7, 1965, contingent upon acquiring exclusive stadium rights from city officials. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, who had been moving slowly in Atlanta matters, was spurred by the AFL interest and headed on the next plane down to Atlanta to block the rival league's claim on the city of Atlanta. He forced the city to make a choice between the two leagues. By June 30, the city picked Rankin Smith and the NFL. Ironicallly, the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
became a Professional Football
Professional football
In the United States and Canada, the term professional football includes the professional forms of American and Canadian gridiron football. In common usage, it refers to former and existing major football leagues in either country...
powerhouse, winning two Super Bowl Championships, including the perfect season of 1972.
The Atlanta Falcons franchise began on June 30, 1965 when NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle
Pete Rozelle
Alvin Ray "Pete" Rozelle was the commissioner of the National Football League from January 1960 to November 1989, when he retired from office. Rozelle is credited with making the NFL into one of the most successful sports leagues in the world....
granted ownership to Rankin Smith Sr. The expansion team was awarded the first pick in the 1966 NFL Draft
1966 NFL Draft
The 1966 National Football League Draft was held on November 27, 1965. It was the last draft in which the NFL and the AFL drafted their players separate of one another. As a result, many players selected by teams from both leagues would choose to play for the more established NFL, or in a rarer...
as well as the final pick in each of the first five rounds. The Falcons drafted All-American Linebacker
Linebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
Tommy Nobis
Tommy Nobis
Thomas Henry Nobis, Jr. is a former American football player. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School where he was an all-state offensive end and middle linebacker...
from the University of Texas
Texas Longhorns football
The Texas Longhorns football program is the intercollegiate football team representing The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas. The team currently competes in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big 12 Conference which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National...
with the first pick of the draft
1966 NFL Draft
The 1966 National Football League Draft was held on November 27, 1965. It was the last draft in which the NFL and the AFL drafted their players separate of one another. As a result, many players selected by teams from both leagues would choose to play for the more established NFL, or in a rarer...
, making him the first-ever Falcon. The league
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
also held the 1966 NFL Expansion Draft
1966 NFL Expansion Draft
The 1966 NFL Expansion Draft was a National Football League draft in which a new expansion team, named the Atlanta Falcons, selected its first players...
six weeks later in which the Falcons selected unprotected players from existing franchises.The Falcons selected many good players in drafts, but they still could not win.
The Falcons had their first season in , and their first preseason game on August 1, , losing to the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. They lost their first nine regular-season games and secured their first victory on the road against the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. The team finished the 1960s with only 12 wins. The Falcons had their first Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
game in Atlanta during the 1970 season. The 1971 season was their first with a winning record.
In the 1978 season, the Falcons qualified for the playoffs for the first time and won the Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles 14–13. The following week, they lost to the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
27–20 in the Divisional Playoffs.
In 1980, after a nine game winning streak, the Falcons posted a franchise then-best record of 12–4 and captured their first NFC West division title. The next week, their dream season ended at home with a loss to the Cowboys 30–27 in the divisional playoffs. In the strike-shortened 1982 season, the Falcons made the playoffs but lost to the Minnesota Vikings, 30–24. Falcons coach Leeman Bennett
Leeman Bennett
Leeman Bennett is a former football coach who served at both the collegiate and professional levels, but is most prominently remembered as head coach of the National Football League's Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers....
was fired after the loss.
In 1989, the Falcons drafted CB Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders
Deion Luwynn Sanders , nicknamed "Prime Time" and "Neon Deion", is a former National Football League cornerback and Major League Baseball outfielder who currently works as an NFL Network analyst...
in the first round, who helped them for the next four years, setting many records for the franchise. "Neon Deion" (a.k.a. "Prime Time") had a flashy appeal and helped bring media attention to one of the league's most anonymous franchises. Sanders was also famous for playing on major league baseball teams (the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
) while simultaneously playing in the NFL.
In 1991, the Falcons drafted Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
as the thirty-third overall pick. During his rookie season, he played in two games where he amassed a record of 5 passing attempts with 0 receptions and 2 interceptions. The following February, Favre was traded to the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. The Falcons' 1991 season ended in a divisional playoff loss to the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
.
In 1992, the Atlanta Falcons opened a new chapter in their history moving into the newly constructed Georgia Dome. Head coach Jerry Glanville had never wanted to draft Brett Favre and traded him to the Packers.
In 1998, under recently acquired head coach Dan Reeves
Dan Reeves
Daniel Edward Reeves is a former American football player and head coach. He has participated in more Super Bowls as player/assistant coach/Head Coach than anyone else...
, quarterback Chris Chandler
Chris Chandler
Christopher Mark Chandler is a retired American football player, who played as a quarterback in the National Football League for 17 seasons. He is known for leading the Atlanta Falcons to a 14-2 season in 1998, followed up with an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIII.-Early years:Chris Chandler was...
and running back Jamal Anderson
Jamal Anderson
Jamal Sharif Anderson is a former American football running back of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played high school football at El Camino Real High School, where he was named to the CIF Los Angeles City Section...
led the "Dirty Bird" Falcons to their greatest season to date. On November 8, they won 41–10 over the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
, ending a streak of 22 losses at cold-weather sites. The team finished with a franchise best 14–2 regular season record and the NFC West division championship. On January 18, 1999, the Falcons upset the top-seeded 15–1 Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
at Minnesota
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
in the NFC Championship Game, 30–27 in an epic overtime victory. However, in their first-ever Super Bowl appearance, they were defeated 34–19, by the defending champion Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in Super Bowl XXXIII
Super Bowl XXXIII
Super Bowl XXXIII was an American football game played on January 31, 1999, at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion, following the 1998 regular season. The American Football Conference champion Denver Broncos defeated the National Football...
.
In the 2001 NFL Draft
2001 NFL Draft
The 2001 NFL Draft took place on April 21–22, 2001 at the theater at Madison Square Garden, in New York City. This was the 66th National Football League draft in league history. The draft was broadcast on ESPN both days and eventually moved to ESPN2. No teams elected to claim any players in the...
, the Falcons orchestrated a trade with the San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, acquiring the first overall pick (which was used on quarterback Michael Vick
Michael Vick
Michael Dwayne Vick is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League...
) in exchange for wide receiver Tim Dwight
Tim Dwight
Timothy Deutch Dwight, Jr. is an American football wide receiver and return specialist who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
and the fifth overall pick (used on running back LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
). Co-founder of Home Depot Arthur Blank
Arthur Blank
Arthur M. Blank is an American businessman and a co-founder of The Home Depot. Today he is known for his philanthropy and his ownership of the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League.-Early life:...
purchased the Falcons franchise on December 6, 2001. Michael Vick saw minimal playing time in 2001, playing backup and learning the system under starting QB Chris Chandler. Vick was the named starting quarterback for the 2002 season, their first in the more geographically-accurate NFC South. Setting many records and supplying the media with numerous highlights for the season, including rushing for 173 yards in an overtime win at Minnesota, the highest single-game rushing total for an NFL quarterback ever, Vick led the Falcons to the playoffs. During their ensuing playoff run, the Falcons were the first team in history to claim a playoff win over the Green Bay Packers 27–7 in Lambeau Field. Their season ended with a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles 20–6 in the divisional playoffs.
On March 19, 2003, the Falcons presented their new logo. “The new Atlanta Falcons logo is fresh, strong and dynamic, and yet appreciates the tradition and history of this franchise,” said Falcons owner and CEO Arthur Blank. “The new logo depicts a more powerful, aggressive Falcon – one of fast movement. It is also representative of the evolution and direction of our team.” During the 2003 preseason Michael Vick broke his leg and missed the first twelve games of the season. After losing 7 straight games, the decision was made to release head coach Dan Reeves. Wade Phillips
Wade Phillips
Wade Allen Phillips is the defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans and former head coach for the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and Buffalo Bills. He was also an interim head coach for the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons...
acted as interim coach for the final 3 games. Although the Falcons won 3 of their last 4 games after the return of Michael Vick, they ended up with a dismal 5–11 record that year.
New head coach Jim L. Mora
Jim L. Mora
James Lawrence "Jim" Mora is an American former NCAA defensive back and National Football League head coach. As of 2010, he is currently an analyst for the NFL Network....
was hired and Michael Vick returned for the full season
2004 Atlanta Falcons season
-Roster:-Schedule:-Week 1:The Falcons began their season by traveling to San Francisco, where Falcons head coach Jim L. Mora had coached the last five years as the 49ers defensive coordinator, to play the San Francisco 49ers...
, when the Falcons went 11–5, winning their third division title and earn a first-round bye into the playoffs. In the divisional playoffs, the Falcons defeated the St. Louis Rams 47–17 in the Georgia Dome, advancing to the NFC Championship, which they lost to the Eagles
2004 Philadelphia Eagles season
-Regular season:-Playoffs:-Week 1: vs. New York Giants:The highly-anticipated Eagles' season began with a convincing rout of the division-rival New York Giants in a game that was not as close as the 31–17 score. New York scored the first points when Ron Dayne finished a first quarter drive with a...
27–10. The Falcons
2005 Atlanta Falcons season
-Roster:-Preseason:-Regular season:-Awards and honors:* Michael Vick, Pro Bowl selection-References:...
fell short again of achieving back-to-back winning seasons in , going 8–8. In , Michael Vick became the first quarterback in league history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season, with 1,039. After finishing the season 7–9, however, coach Jim Mora was dismissed and Bobby Petrino, the University of Louisville's football coach, replaced him. Before the 2007
2007 NFL season
The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30....
, Vick was suspended indefinitely by the NFL after pleading guilty to charges involving dog fighting in the state of Virginia. On December 10, 2007, Vick received a 23-month prison sentence and was officially cut from the Atlanta roster. In the beginning of the 2007 season, the Falcons were forced to start Joey Harrington at quarterback. On December 11, 13 games into his first NFL season as head coach, Bobby Petrino
Bobby Petrino
Bobby Petrino is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at the University of Arkansas, a position he has held since the 2008 season...
resigned without notice to coach at the University of Arkansas
Arkansas Razorbacks football
The Arkansas Razorbacks football program is a college football team that represents the University of Arkansas. The team is a member of the Southeastern Conference's Western Division, which is in Division I's Football Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
, leaving the beleaguered players only a note in the locker room. Secondary Coach Emmitt Thomas
Emmitt Thomas
Emmitt Earl Thomas is currently the secondary coach of the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. He is a former college and professional football player who played for the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs from 1966 to 1969, and then for the Chiefs in the NFL from 1970 to 1978...
was named interim coach for the final three games of 2007 on December 12. The Falcons ended the year with a dismal 4–12 record.
On January 13, 2008, the Falcons named the former Patriots director of college football scouting Thomas Dimitroff
Thomas Dimitroff
Thomas George Dimitroff, Jr. is the current general manager for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. Before joining the Falcons in 2008, Dimitroff was with the New England Patriots for six years...
General Manager. On January 23, 2008, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
defensive coach and former linebackers coach for the 2000 Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens Mike Smith was named the Falcons' new head coach. On March 2, Michael Turner agreed to a 6-year deal worth $30 million. On April 26, Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan (American football)
Matthew Thomas "Matt" Ryan , nicknamed "Matty Ice," is the starting American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round as the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft...
(quarterback from Boston College) was drafted third overall in the 2008 NFL Draft
2008 NFL Draft
The 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so...
. He started all 16 games in his rookie season and was named the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Falcons finished the 2008 regular season with a record of 11–5. On December 21, 2008, Atlanta Falcons beat the Minnesota Vikings 24–17 to clinch a wild card spot, earning a trip to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The Falcons would go on to lose in the wild-card round of the 2008 NFL playoffs to the eventual NFC champion Arizona Cardinals
2008 Arizona Cardinals season
The 2008 Arizona Cardinals season was the 89th season for the team in the National Football League and their 21st season in Arizona. The season marked the Cardinals' first-ever Super Bowl appearance, coming as a result of their victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship.The...
, 30–24.
The Atlanta Falcons hold the record among all major American sports leagues for the longest streak of seasons without consecutive winning seasons, a streak that lasted from 1966–2008. Though they failed to make the playoffs, the streak ended in 2009 when the Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20–10 in the final game of the season to improve their record to 9–7. In 2010, with a regular season record of 13–3, their best regular season record since the 1998 Super Bowl season, the Falcons secured a third straight winning season, their fourth overall divisional title, and the top overall seed in the NFC playoffs; however, the Falcons were overpowered by the eventual Super Bowl XLV
Super Bowl XLV
Super Bowl XLV was an American football game between the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football Conference champion Green Bay Packers to decide the National Football League champion for the 2010 season. The game was held at Cowboys Stadium in...
champion Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs 48–21.
2011
The Falcons made a surprise trade up with the Cleveland BrownsCleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in the 2011 NFL Draft
2011 NFL Draft
The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players...
to select Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones
Julio Jones
Quintorris Lopez "Julio" Jones is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide...
. In exchange, the Falcons gave up their first, second and fourth round draft picks in 2011, and their first and fourth draft picks in 2012.
On August 30, 2011, Sports Illustrated senior writer Peter King, who correctly predicted the 2011 Super Bowl, made his predictions this year and picked the Falcons to defeat the San Diego Chargers in the 2012 Super Bowl.
Logo and uniforms
1966 Atlanta Falcons season
The 1966 Atlanta Falcons season was the Falcon's inaugural season.- Offseason :The Falcons attempted to acquire Green Bay Packers running back Jim Taylor. There were tensions in Green Bay because the Packers first round pick, Jim Grabowski would be groomed to take over for Taylor...
, the Falcons wore red helmets with a black falcon crest logo. In the center of the helmet was a center black stripe surrounded by 2 gold stripes and 2 white stripes, These colors represented the two college rival schools in the state of Georgia; rival schools Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The Yellow Jackets is the name used for all of the intercollegiate athletic teams that play for the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. The teams have also been nicknamed the Ramblin' Wreck, Engineers, Blacksmiths, and Golden Tornado. There are 8 men's and 7 women's teams that...
(White and Gold) and the Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs are the athletic teams of the University of Georgia. The Bulldogs compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and are members of the Southeastern Conference...
(Red and Black) Although the gold was later taken out, the white remains to this day. They wore white pants and either black or white jerseys. At first, the falcon crest logo was also put on the jersey sleeves, but it was replaced by a red and white stripe pattern four years later. They switched from black to red jerseys in 1971, and the club began to wear silver pants in 1978.
A prototype white helmet was developed for the team prior to the 1974 season
1974 Atlanta Falcons season
The 1974 Atlanta Falcons season was the Falcons ninth season.-NFL Draft:Ron Simmons214 U of Minnesota MorrisDBBorn 2/20/1952-Schedule:-Standings:-Milestones:...
but was never worn.
In 1990
1990 Atlanta Falcons season
-Roster:-Schedule:-External links:* *...
, the uniform design changed to black helmets, silver pants, and either black or white jerseys. The numbers on the white jerseys were black, but were changed to red in 1997
1997 Atlanta Falcons season
-Schedule:-References:* *...
. (The red numerals could be seen on the away jerseys briefly in 1990.)
Both the logo and uniforms changed in 2003
2003 Atlanta Falcons season
The 2003 Atlanta Falcons season is best remembered for in the 3rd preseason game, the QB Michael Vick broke his leg and was done for most of the season. Atlanta had 2 other QBs take over for a combined 2-10 record. Vick returned in week 14 and ended the season with a 3-1 record.-NFL...
. The logo was redesigned with red and silver accents to depict a more powerful, aggressive falcon, which now more closely resembles the capital letter F. Although the Falcons still wore black helmets, the new uniforms featured jerseys and pants with red trim down the sides. The uniform design consisted of either black or white jerseys, and either black or white pants. During that same year, a red alternate jersey with black trim was also introduced. The Falcons also started wearing black cleats with these uniforms.
In 2004
2004 Atlanta Falcons season
-Roster:-Schedule:-Week 1:The Falcons began their season by traveling to San Francisco, where Falcons head coach Jim L. Mora had coached the last five years as the 49ers defensive coordinator, to play the San Francisco 49ers...
, the red jerseys became the primary jerseys, and the black ones became the alternate, both worn with white pants. In select road games, the Falcons wear black pants with white jerseys. The Falcons wore an all-black combination for home games against their archrivals, the New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
, winning the first two contests (24–21 in and 36–17 in ), but losing 31–13 in . The Falcons wore the all black combination against the New Orleans Saints for 4 straight seasons starting in 2004, With the last time being in 2007, losing 34–14. They wore the combination again in 2006, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
in Week 2. The Falcons won that game, 14–3. The Falcons also wore their all-black uniform in 2007 against the New York Giants, and in 2008 against the Carolina Panthers and against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (for the second time).
In the 1980s, the Falcons wore their white uniforms at home most of the time because of the heat. When the Falcons started playing in a dome, the team switched to their dark uniforms for home games but have worn their white uniforms at home a few times since switching to the dome. It was announced at the 2009 state of the franchise meeting that the Falcons would wear 1966 throwback uniforms for a couple games during the 2009 season. The Atlanta Falcons wore 1966 throwback jerseys for 2 home games in 2009 – against the Carolina Panthers on September 20 and against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 29. Both of those game the Falcons won. They donned the throwbacks again for 2 games in 2010, against Baltimore and San Francisco, winning both of those games as well.
Record vs. opponents
Includes postseason records|-
| San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
|| 7 || 1 || 0 || .875 || W 22–16 || Nov 30, 2008 || San Diego ||
|-
|Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
|| 21 || 12 || 0 || .636 || W 31–17|| Oct 16, 2011 || Atlanta ||
|-
| New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
|| 6 || 4 || 0 || .600 || W 10–7 || Dec 20, 2009 || East Rutherford ||
|-
| Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
|| 6 || 4 || 0 || .600 || W 31–3 || Dec 27, 2009 || Atlanta ||
|-
| New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
|| 46 || 39 || 0 || .553 || L 26-23(OT)|| Nov 13, 2011 || Atlanta || 1–0 postseason
|-
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
|| 18 || 19 || 0 || .486 || L 16–13 || Sep 25, 2011 || Tampa Bay ||
|-
| Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
|| 13 || 13 || 0 || .500 || L 30–12 || Sep 11, 2011 || Chicago ||
|-
| New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
|| 10 || 10 || 0 || .500 || L 34–31 || Nov 22, 2009 || New York ||
|-
| Houston Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
|| 1 || 1 || 0 || .500 || W 26–16 || Sep 30, 2007 || Atlanta ||
|-
| New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
|| 6 || 6 || 0 || .500 || L 10–26 || Sep 27, 2009 || Foxborough ||
|-
| Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
|| 2 || 2 || 0 || .500 || W 26–21 || Nov 11, 2010 || Atlanta ||
|-
| Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
|| 13 || 15 || 0 || .464 || L 25–14 || Oct 9, 2011 || Atlanta || 1–2 postseason
|-
| Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
|| 6 || 7 || 0 || .462 || W 23–17 || Nov 20, 2011 || Atlanta ||
|-
| Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
|| 4 || 9 || 0 || .444 || L 24–20 || Nov 16, 2008 || Atlanta || 0–1 postseason
|-
| St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
|| 11 || 15 || 0 || .423 || W 41–7 || Sep 19, 2010 || Atlanta || 0–1 postseason
|-
| Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
|| 5 || 7 || 0 || .417 || W 39–32 || Oct 24, 2010 || Atlanta ||
|-
| Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
|| 5 || 7 || 0 || .417 || W 24–0 || Nov 2, 2008 || Oakland ||
|-
| Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
|| 12 || 17 || 1 || .414 || W 35–31 || Sep 18, 2011 || Atlanta || 1–2 postseason
|-
| Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
|| 11 || 16 || 0 || .407 || W 24–14 || Nov 27, 2011 || Atlanta || 1–1 postseason
|-
| San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
|| 30 || 44 || 1 || .399 || W 16–14 || Oct 3, 2010 || Atlanta || 1–0 postseason
|-
| Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
|| 6 || 8 || 0 || .385 || W 30-28 || Oct 2, 2011 || Seattle ||
|-
| Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
|| 27 || 47 || 2 || .368 || W 34–17 || Nov 21, 2010 || St. Louis || 1–0 postseason
|-
| Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
|| 4 || 7 || 0 || .364 || W 19–7 || Sep 13, 2009 || Atlanta ||
|-
| Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
|| 8 || 16 || 0 || .333 || L 37–21 || Oct 25, 2009 || Dallas || 0–2 postseason
|-
| Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
|| 11 || 23 || 0 || .324 || W 23-16 || Oct 23, 2011 || Detroit ||
|-
| Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
|| 6 || 15 || 1 || .295 || W 31–17 || Nov 8, 2009 || Atlanta || 0–1 postseason
|-
| Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
|| 1 || 3 || 0 || .250 || L 13–7 || Sep 16, 2007 || Jacksonville ||
|-
| Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
|| 2 || 5 || 0 || .286 || W 38–14 || Sep 21, 2008 || Atlanta ||
|-
| Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
|| 3 || 10 || 0 || .231 || W 20–10 || Oct 10, 2010 || Cleveland ||
|-
| Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
|| 3 || 12 || 1 || .167 || L 15–9 (OT) || Sep 12, 2010 || Pittsburgh ||
|-
| Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
|| 2 || 13 || 0 || .133 || W 31–7 || Nov 6, 2011 || Indianapolis ||
|-
| Total || 305 || 402 || 6 || .432 || || || || 6–9 (.400)
Single game records
- Rushing: Michael Turner, 220 9/7/2008
- Passing: Chris ChandlerChris ChandlerChristopher Mark Chandler is a retired American football player, who played as a quarterback in the National Football League for 17 seasons. He is known for leading the Atlanta Falcons to a 14-2 season in 1998, followed up with an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIII.-Early years:Chris Chandler was...
, 431 12/23/2001 - Passing Touchdowns: Wade Wilson, 5 12/13/92
- Receptions: William Andrews, 15 11/15/1981
- Receiving Yards:Roddy WhiteRoddy WhiteSharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
, 210 10/11/09 - Interceptions:Many times 2 Last by Brent GrimesBrent GrimesBrent Omar Grimes is an American football cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
, 12/20/2009 - Field Goals:Norm JohnsonNorm JohnsonNorman Douglas "Norm" Johnson is a former professional American football placekicker who played for 18 seasons in the National Football League. During that time, he played for the Seattle Seahawks , Atlanta Falcons , Pittsburgh Steelers , and the Philadelphia Eagles...
, 6 11/13/1994 - Total Touchdowns': T.J. Duckett, 4 12/12/2004 & Michael Turner 4, 11/23/08
- Points Scored:.T.J. Duckett,24 12–12–04 24 & Michael Turner 24 11/23/2008
- Sacks: Chuck Smith, 5 10/12/97
Single season records
- Passing Attempts: 571 Matt RyanMatt RyanMatt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
(2010) - Passing Completions: 357 Matt RyanMatt RyanMatt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
(2010) - Passing Yards: 4,143 Jeff George (1995)
- Passing Touchdowns: 31 Steve BartkowskiSteve BartkowskiSteven Joseph "Steve" Bartkowski is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League who played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Los Angeles Rams...
(1980) - Passing Interceptions: 25 Bobby HebertBobby HebertBobby Joseph Hebert Jr., is an American sportscaster who is best known as a retired Pro bowl American football quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. He played professionally in the USFL and NFL from 1983 to 1996 for the Michigan Panthers, Oakland Invaders, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons...
(1996) - Completion Percentage: 62.5 Matt RyanMatt RyanMatt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
(2010) - Passing Rating: 110.2 Wade Wilson (1992)
- Rushing Attempts: 410 Jamal AndersonJamal AndersonJamal Sharif Anderson is a former American football running back of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played high school football at El Camino Real High School, where he was named to the CIF Los Angeles City Section...
(1998) - Rushing Yards: 1,846 Jamal AndersonJamal AndersonJamal Sharif Anderson is a former American football running back of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played high school football at El Camino Real High School, where he was named to the CIF Los Angeles City Section...
(1998) - Rushing Touchdowns: 17 Michael Turner (2008)
- Receiving Catches: 115 Roddy WhiteRoddy WhiteSharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
(2010) - Receiving Yards: 1,389 Roddy WhiteRoddy WhiteSharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
(2010) - Receiving Touchdowns: 15 Andre RisonAndre RisonAndre Previn Rison is a retired American football wide receiver who played professionally for the National Football League's Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and the Canadian Football League's...
(1993) - Quarterback Sacks: 16.5 John Abraham (2008)
- Pass Interceptions: 10 Scott CaseScott CaseJeffrey Scott Case is a former American football player in the National Football League who was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2nd round of the 1984 NFL Draft. A 6'0", 178-lb defensive back from the University of Oklahoma, Case played professionally for 12 seasons from 1984 to 1995 for...
(1988) - Field Goal Attempts: 40 Jay FeelyJay FeelyThomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....
(2002) - Field Goals Made: 32 Jay FeelyJay FeelyThomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....
(2002) - Points: 138 Jay FeelyJay FeelyThomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....
(2002) - Total Touchdowns: 17 Michael Turner (2008)
Career records
- Passing Attempts: 3,329 Steve BartkowskiSteve BartkowskiSteven Joseph "Steve" Bartkowski is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League who played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Los Angeles Rams...
(1975–85) - Passing Completions: 1,870 Steve Bartkowski (1975–85)
- Passing Yards: 23,468 Steve Bartkowski (1975–85)
- Passing Touchdowns: 154 Steve Bartkowski (1975–85)
- Passing Interceptions: 141 Steve Bartkowski (1975–85)
- Passing Rating: 87.4 Chris ChandlerChris ChandlerChristopher Mark Chandler is a retired American football player, who played as a quarterback in the National Football League for 17 seasons. He is known for leading the Atlanta Falcons to a 14-2 season in 1998, followed up with an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIII.-Early years:Chris Chandler was...
(1997–2001) - Rushing Attempts: 1,587 Gerald RiggsGerald RiggsGerald Antonio Riggs is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons from 1982-1988 and the Washington Redskins from 1989-1991....
(1982–88) - Rushing Yards: 6,631 Gerald Riggs (1982–88)
- Rushing Yards by a QB: 3,859 Michael VickMichael VickMichael Dwayne Vick is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League...
(2001–2006) - Rushing Touchdowns: 48 Gerald Riggs (1982–88)
- Receiving Catches: 573 Terance MathisTerance MathisTerance Mathis is an American former Pro Bowl wide receiver in the NFL. Drafted in 1990 by the New York Jets, he played the majority of his career with the Atlanta Falcons. He last played in the NFL in 2002 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, then retired in 2004...
(1994–2001) - Receiving Yards: 7,349 Terance Mathis (1994–2001)
- Receiving Touchdowns: 57 Terance Mathis (1994–2001)
- Quarterback Sacks: 94.5 Claude HumphreyClaude HumphreyClaude B. Humphrey is a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles.-Professional career:...
(1968–78) - Pass Interceptions: 39 Rolland LawrenceRolland LawrenceRolland Derenfro "Bay" Lawrence is a former professional American football cornerback who played his entire NFL career for the Atlanta Falcons from 1973 to 1980. He was selected to his one and only Pro Bowl in 1977...
(1973–81) - Field Goal Attempts: 164 Mick LuckhurstMick LuckhurstMichael Christopher Wilbert "Mick" Luckhurst is a retired American football placekicker. He made his professional debut with the Atlanta Falcons in 1981, remaining with the team until the 1987 NFL season. Mick was also the face of Channel Four's American Football coverage from 1988 through until...
(1981–87) - Field Goals Made: 139 Morten AndersenMorten AndersenMorten Andersen , nicknamed "The Great Dane", is a former National Football League kicker. He holds the distinction of being the all-time leading scorer in NFL history, as well as being the all-time leading scorer for two different teams; the New Orleans Saints, with whom he spent 13 seasons, and...
(1995–2000, 2006–2007) - Points: 620 Morten Andersen (1995–2000, 2006–2007)
- Total Touchdowns: 57 Terance Mathis (1994–2001)
- Pass Interception Return Yards:
- Pass Interception Returned for Touchdowns:
- Punt Return Yards:
- Kickoff Return Yards:
- Longest Punt:
Pro Football Hall of Famers
- 21 Deion SandersDeion SandersDeion Luwynn Sanders , nicknamed "Prime Time" and "Neon Deion", is a former National Football League cornerback and Major League Baseball outfielder who currently works as an NFL Network analyst...
, CB, played for team from 1989–1993, inducted in 2011
Deion is the only Hall of Famer that has been inducted based substantially on his service with the Falcons; however, two inductees played briefly for the Falcons during their careers:
- 29 Eric DickersonEric DickersonEric Demetric Dickerson is a former professional running back in the National Football League who in his career played for the Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons.-College career:...
, RB, played for team in 1993 - 25 Tommy McDonald, WR, played for team in 1967
"Ring of Honor"
Note: The Atlanta Falcons organization does not officially retire jersey numbers.- 10 Steve BartkowskiSteve BartkowskiSteven Joseph "Steve" Bartkowski is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League who played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Los Angeles Rams...
, QB, 1975–1985 - 21 Deion SandersDeion SandersDeion Luwynn Sanders , nicknamed "Prime Time" and "Neon Deion", is a former National Football League cornerback and Major League Baseball outfielder who currently works as an NFL Network analyst...
, CB, 1989–1993 - 31 William Andrews, RB, 1979–1983, 1986
- 57 Jeff Van NoteJeff Van NoteJeffrey Aloysius Van Note , is a former American football player who played his entire 18-year NFL career as a center for the Atlanta Falcons from 1969 to 1986.-NFL career:...
, C, 1969–1986 - 58 Jessie TuggleJessie TuggleJessie Floyd Tuggle is a former professional American football linebacker who played for the Atlanta Falcons his entire career from 1987 to 2000. He graduated from Valdosta State College in Valdosta, Georgia...
, LB, 1987–2000 - 60 Tommy NobisTommy NobisThomas Henry Nobis, Jr. is a former American football player. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School where he was an all-state offensive end and middle linebacker...
, LB, 1966–1976 - 78 Mike KennMike KennMichael Lee Kenn is a former American football player who was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1st round of the 1978 NFL Draft. A 6'7", 275-lb. offensive tackle from the University of Michigan, Kenn played his entire 17-year NFL career with the Falcons from 1978 to 1994. He is notable for...
, T, 1978–1994 - 87 Claude HumphreyClaude HumphreyClaude B. Humphrey is a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles.-Professional career:...
, DE, 1968–1978
Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
- 60 Tommy Nobis, LB, 1966–1976
- 87 Claude Humphrey, DE, 1968–1978
- 57 Jeff Van Note, C, 1969–1986
- Marion CampbellMarion CampbellFrancis Marion Campbell is a former American football defensive lineman and head coach. Campbell played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs from 1949 until 1951, where he was appropriately nicknamed "Swamp Fox"...
, Head Coach, 1974–1976, 1987–1989 (also former University of GeorgiaUniversity of GeorgiaThe University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States...
player) - 84 Alfred Jenkins, WR, 1975–1983
- 31 William Andrews, RB, 1979–1983, 1986
- Dan ReevesDan ReevesDaniel Edward Reeves is a former American football player and head coach. He has participated in more Super Bowls as player/assistant coach/Head Coach than anyone else...
, Head Coach, 1997–2003 (also Georgia native)
Head coaches
In their history, the Atlanta Falcons have had 15 head coaches.| Coach | Years | Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norb Hecker Norb Hecker Norbert Earl Hecker was an American football player and coach who was part of eight National Football League championship teams, but may be best remembered as the first head coach of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons.... |
1966–1968 | 4–26–1 | |
| Norm Van Brocklin Norm Van Brocklin Norman Mack "Norm" Van Brocklin , nicknamed "The Dutchman", was an American football player and coach. He was also a first rate punter in college and in the NFL... |
1968–1974 | 39–48–3 | |
| Marion Campbell Marion Campbell Francis Marion Campbell is a former American football defensive lineman and head coach. Campbell played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs from 1949 until 1951, where he was appropriately nicknamed "Swamp Fox"... |
1974–1976 | 6–19 | |
| Pat Peppler Pat Peppler Albert Patterson Peppler is a former football coach and executive who worked for teams that won five National Football League titles... |
1976 | 3–6 | |
| Leeman Bennett Leeman Bennett Leeman Bennett is a former football coach who served at both the collegiate and professional levels, but is most prominently remembered as head coach of the National Football League's Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.... |
1977–1982 | 46–41 | |
| Dan Henning Dan Henning -External links:... |
1983–1986 | 22–41–1 | |
| Marion Campbell | 1987–1989 | 11–36 | |
| Jim Hanifan Jim Hanifan Jim Hanifan is a longtime American football coach and former head coach of the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons. He compiled a career record of 39-53-1.-Playing career:... |
1989 | 0–4 | |
| Jerry Glanville Jerry Glanville Jerry Glanville is a former American football player and current head coach of the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League, former NASCAR driver and owner, and sportscaster in the United States. He served the head coach of the Houston Oilers from 1986 to 1990 and the Atlanta Falcons from... |
1990–1993 | 27–37 | |
| June Jones June Jones June Sheldon Jones, III is the American football head coach for Southern Methodist University.-Playing career:Jones played the quarterback position on three college teams: Oregon , Hawaii , and Portland State . It is during his time at Portland State that he was introduced to the Run and Shoot... |
1994–1996 | 19–29 | |
| Dan Reeves Dan Reeves Daniel Edward Reeves is a former American football player and head coach. He has participated in more Super Bowls as player/assistant coach/Head Coach than anyone else... |
1997–2003 | 49–59–1 | |
| Wade Phillips Wade Phillips Wade Allen Phillips is the defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans and former head coach for the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and Buffalo Bills. He was also an interim head coach for the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons... |
2003 | 2–1 | |
| Jim Mora Jim L. Mora James Lawrence "Jim" Mora is an American former NCAA defensive back and National Football League head coach. As of 2010, he is currently an analyst for the NFL Network.... |
2004–2006 | 26–22 | |
| Bobby Petrino Bobby Petrino Bobby Petrino is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at the University of Arkansas, a position he has held since the 2008 season... |
2007 | 3–10 | |
| Emmitt Thomas Emmitt Thomas Emmitt Earl Thomas is currently the secondary coach of the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. He is a former college and professional football player who played for the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs from 1966 to 1969, and then for the Chiefs in the NFL from 1970 to 1978... |
2007 | 1–2 | |
| Mike Smith | 2008–Present | 37–15 |
Radio and television
As of 2011, the Falcons' radio flagship station is WSTRWSTR (FM)
WSTR is an Atlanta FM radio station airing an Hot Adult Contemporary format during the week and a 1990's pop music format on weekends. It is owned by Lincoln Financial Media, and has Smyrna, Georgia as its city of license.-History:...
Star 94 FM, and WQXI
WQXI (AM)
WQXI, "790 The Zone", is a radio station licensed to the city of Atlanta broadcasting at a frequency of 790 kHz. The station has a power of 28,000 watts in the daytime, and 1,000 watts at night. WQXI's signal is non-directional during the daytime, and directional at night...
790 AM "The Zone", previously held since 2006 by WZGC 92.9 "Dave FM." Wes Durham
Wes Durham
Dallas Wesley "Wes" Durham is an American sportscaster. He has been the radio play-by-play announcer for Georgia Tech football, men's basketball and baseball teams since the start of the 1995-1996 season, and is known as "The Voice of the Yellow Jackets." He is also Georgia Tech's Director of...
, voice of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States...
and son of longtime North Carolina Tar Heels
North Carolina Tar Heels
The North Carolina Tar Heels are the athletic teams for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The name Tar Heel is a nickname used to refer to individuals from the state of North Carolina, the Tar Heel State...
voice Woody Durham
Woody Durham
Woody Lombardi Durham , known as "The Voice of the Tar Heels", was the longtime play-by-play radio announcer for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill football and basketball teams from 1971 to 2011. Durham grew up in Albemarle, North Carolina alongside Bob Harris, longtime accouncer for UNC...
, is the Falcons' play-by-play announcer. Preseason games not shown nationally television (except NBC-aired games) are seen on NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
affiliate WXIA, also known as "11 Alive." In 2008, preseason games aired on WATL-TV due to WXIA's commitment to the 2008 Summer Olympics
2008 Summer Olympics
The 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, was a major international multi-sport event that took place in Beijing, China, from August 8 to August 24, 2008. A total of 11,028 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees competed in 28 sports and 302 events...
. Both stations are owned by Gannett Company
Gannett Company
Gannett Company, Inc. is a publicly-traded media holding company headquartered in Tysons Corner, Virginia, United States, near McLean. It is the largest U.S. newspaper publisher as measured by total daily circulation. Its assets include the national newspaper USA Today and the weekly USA Weekend...
.
Fox affiliate WAGA-TV
WAGA-TV
WAGA-TV, virtual channel 5.1 is an owned-and-operated television station of the News Corporation-owned Fox Television Network and based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States...
aired most preseason games through the 2004 season. WAGA continues to have a relationship with the Falcons as their primary broadcaster of regular season games (serving in this capacity since the Falcons started play), which dates back to when WAGA was a CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
affiliate and the NFL/NFC games were on CBS. WATL aired most Falcons games in 1994, as WAGA did not switch to Fox until December 1994.
Atlanta Falcon fans are more prevalent in western North Carolina due to the fact the Carolina Panthers only existed since 1996. Historically, they can be found generally west of Interstate 26 from Asheville to Murphy. East of Interstate 26 is considered a neutral zone but eventually, the majority were Washington Redskin fans.
Radio Affiliates
Falcons Radio AffiliatesGeorgia
| City | Call Sign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Albany Albany, Georgia Albany is a city in and the county seat of Dougherty County, Georgia, United States, in the southwestern part of the state. It is the principal city of the Albany, Georgia metropolitan area and the southwest part of the state. The population was 77,434 at the 2010 U.S. Census, making it the... |
WSRA WSRA WSRA is a radio station broadcasting a Sports radio format. Licensed to Albany, Georgia, USA, the station serves the Albany GA area. The station is currently owned by Livingston W. Fulton and features programing from ESPN Radio.-History:... -AM |
1250 AM |
| Athens Athens, Georgia Athens-Clarke County is a consolidated city–county in U.S. state of Georgia, in the northeastern part of the state, comprising the former City of Athens proper and Clarke County. The University of Georgia is located in this college town and is responsible for the initial growth of the city... |
WRFC WRFC (AM) WRFC is a sports radio station licensed to Athens, Georgia, USA. The format was easy listening until the late 1960s, when it changed to a light rock format. The station was previously owned by Southern Broadcasting of Athens, Inc. until June 2008, when it was purchased, along with its sister... -AM |
960 AM |
| Atlanta Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in... |
WQXI WQXI (AM) WQXI, "790 The Zone", is a radio station licensed to the city of Atlanta broadcasting at a frequency of 790 kHz. The station has a power of 28,000 watts in the daytime, and 1,000 watts at night. WQXI's signal is non-directional during the daytime, and directional at night... -AM |
790 AM |
| Atlanta Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in... |
WSTR WSTR (FM) WSTR is an Atlanta FM radio station airing an Hot Adult Contemporary format during the week and a 1990's pop music format on weekends. It is owned by Lincoln Financial Media, and has Smyrna, Georgia as its city of license.-History:... -FM |
94.1 FM |
| Augusta Augusta, Georgia Augusta is a consolidated city in the U.S. state of Georgia, located along the Savannah River. As of the 2010 census, the Augusta–Richmond County population was 195,844 not counting the unconsolidated cities of Hephzibah and Blythe.Augusta is the principal city of the Augusta-Richmond County... |
WRDW WRDW (AM) WRDW is a radio station broadcasting a Talk radio format. Licensed to Augusta, Georgia, USA, the station is owned by Beasley Broadcast Group.... -AM |
1630 AM |
| Brunswick Brunswick, Georgia Brunswick is the major urban and economic center in southeastern Georgia in the United States. The municipality is located on a harbor near the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 30 miles north of Florida and 70 miles south of South Carolina. Brunswick is bordered on the east by the Atlantic... |
WSFN WSFN WSFN is a sports-talk radio station in Brunswick, Georgia. WSFN programming is simulcast on WFNS 1350 AM. WSFN is owned by MarMac Communications, who also owns WSEG of Savannah, WFNS of Blackshear, and WAYX of Waycross, Georgia.... -AM |
790 AM |
| Clarkesville Clarkesville, Georgia Clarkesville is a city located in the center of Habersham County, Georgia. It is also the county seat.-Geography:Clarkesville is located at .... |
WDUN-FM | 102.9 FM |
| Columbus Columbus, Georgia Columbus is a city in and the county seat of Muscogee County, Georgia, United States, with which it is consolidated. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 189,885. It is the principal city of the Columbus, Georgia metropolitan area, which, in 2009, had an estimated population of 292,795... |
WDAK WDAK WDAK is a radio station broadcasting a News Talk Information format. Licensed to Columbus, Georgia, USA, the station serves the Columbus/Phenix City/Auburn area. The station is currently owned by Clear Channel Communications and features programing from Westwood One, CNN Radio and Fox News Radio... -AM |
540 AM |
| Columbus Columbus, Georgia Columbus is a city in and the county seat of Muscogee County, Georgia, United States, with which it is consolidated. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 189,885. It is the principal city of the Columbus, Georgia metropolitan area, which, in 2009, had an estimated population of 292,795... |
WSHE WSHE WSHE is a radio station broadcasting a Southern Gospel music format. Licensed to Columbus, Georgia, USA, the station serves the Columbus area. The station is currently owned by Clear Channel Communications and features programming from Salem Communications and Premiere Radio Networks... -AM |
1270 AM |
| Dalton Dalton, Georgia Dalton is a city in Whitfield County, Georgia, United States. It is the county seat of Whitfield County and the principal city of the Dalton, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of both Murray and Whitfield counties. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 33,128... |
WBLJ WBLJ (AM) WBLJ is a radio station broadcasting a News Talk Information format. Licensed to Dalton, Georgia, USA, the station serves the Chattanooga area. The station is currently owned by North Georgia Radio Group, L.P. and features programing from Fox News Radio, Fox Sports Radio and Westwood One.... -AM |
1230 AM |
| Douglas Douglas, Georgia Douglas is a city in Coffee County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 11,589. Douglas is the county seat of Coffee County and the core city of the Douglas, Georgia Micropolitan Statistical Area which has a population of 48,708 as of the 2008 census... |
WDMG WDMG (AM) WDMG is a radio station broadcasting a News Talk Information format. Licensed to Douglas, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Broadcast South, LLC.... -AM |
860 AM |
| Gainesville Gainesville, Georgia -Severe Weather:Gainesville sits on the very fringe of Tornado Alley, a region of the United States where severe weather is common. Supercell thunderstorms can sweep through any time between March and November, but are concentrated most in the spring... |
WDUN | 550 AM |
| Griffin Griffin, Georgia Griffin is a city in and the county seat of Spalding County in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 23,643.-Geography:Griffin is located at .... |
WKEU WKEU (AM) WKEU is a radio station broadcasting an Oldies format. Licensed to Griffin, Georgia, USA, it serves the Atlanta, Georgia, area. The station is currently owned by Wlt & Associates and features programing from ABC Radio and Westwood One.... -AM |
1450 AM |
| Griffin Griffin, Georgia Griffin is a city in and the county seat of Spalding County in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 23,643.-Geography:Griffin is located at .... |
WKEU-FM WKEU-FM WKEU-FM is a radio station broadcasting a Classic rock format. Licensed to The Rock, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Georgia Public Radio, Inc. and features programing from ABC Radio .... |
88.9 FM |
| Hogansville Hogansville, Georgia Hogansville is a city in Troup County, Georgia, United States. The population was 2,774 at the 2000 census. Hogansville holds an annual Hummingbird Festival in October... |
WVCC WVCC WVCC is a radio station broadcasting a News/Talk format. Licensed to Hogansville, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Clear Channel, and features programing from Fox Sports Radio.... -AM |
720 AM |
| Jesup Jesup, Georgia Jesup is a city in Wayne County, Georgia, United States. The population was 9,279 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Wayne County.-Geography:Jesup is located at .... |
WLOP WLOP WLOP is a radio station broadcasting a Sports radio format. Licensed to Jesup, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Jesup Broadcasting Corp. and features programing from Fox Sports Radio. WLOP is Jesup's heritage station. Use of the term WLOP by Jesup/Wayne County natives can... -AM |
1370 AM |
| Jesup Jesup, Georgia Jesup is a city in Wayne County, Georgia, United States. The population was 9,279 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Wayne County.-Geography:Jesup is located at .... |
WIFO-FM WIFO-FM WIFO-FM is Jesup's FM heritage station, broadcasting a wide variety of programming, including mornings with Butch Hubbard, Local News with Bob Morgan, Local Sports; The only FM Atlanta Braves affiliate for Baxley, Hinesville, Jesup, Waycross, Brunswick, and Camden County; Since 1971 the oldest... |
105.5 FM |
| LaGrange LaGrange, Georgia LaGrange is a city in Troup County, Georgia, United States. It is named after the country estate near Paris of the Marquis de La Fayette, who visited the area in 1825. The population was 24,998 at the 2000 census... |
WMGP WMGP WMGP is a rock-leaning classic hits music-formatted radio station that plays hit music from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. The station is licensed to Hogansville, Georgia and serves the southwest tip of Atlanta and Midwest Georgia area. Since February 2002, it has used the branding "Midwest Georgia's... -FM |
98.1 FM |
| Louisville Louisville, Georgia Louisville is a city in Jefferson County, Georgia, United States. It is the former capital of Georgia and is the county seat of Jefferson County. It is located southwest of Augusta on the Ogeechee River, and its population was 2,712 at the 2000 census. The local pronunciation is the Americanized... |
WPEH WPEH (AM) WPEH is a radio station broadcasting a Country music format. Licensed to Louisville, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Peach Broadcasting Co., Inc. and features programing from CNN Radio and Westwood One.... -AM |
1420 AM |
| Louisville Louisville, Georgia Louisville is a city in Jefferson County, Georgia, United States. It is the former capital of Georgia and is the county seat of Jefferson County. It is located southwest of Augusta on the Ogeechee River, and its population was 2,712 at the 2000 census. The local pronunciation is the Americanized... |
WPEH WPEH (AM) WPEH is a radio station broadcasting a Country music format. Licensed to Louisville, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Peach Broadcasting Co., Inc. and features programing from CNN Radio and Westwood One.... -FM |
92.1 FM |
| Macon Macon, Georgia Macon is a city located in central Georgia, US. Founded at the fall line of the Ocmulgee River, it is part of the Macon metropolitan area, and the county seat of Bibb County. A small portion of the city extends into Jones County. Macon is the biggest city in central Georgia... |
WMAC-AM | 940 AM |
| Milledgeville Milledgeville, Georgia Milledgeville is a city in and the county seat of Baldwin County in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is northeast of Macon, located just before Eatonton on the way to Athens along U.S. Highway 441, and it is located on the Oconee River. The relatively rapid current of the Oconee here made this an... |
WMVG WMVG WMVG is a radio station broadcasting a Sports radio format. Licensed to Milledgeville, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Wmvg, Inc. and features programing from ABC Radio , ESPN Radio and Motor Racing Network.... -AM |
1450 AM |
| Newnan Newnan, Georgia Newnan is a city in Coweta County, Georgia, about 30 miles southwest of Atlanta. The population was 16,242 at the 2000 Census. Newnan is one of the fastest growing cities in Georgia, with an estimated population of 27,097 in 2006 and 33,293 in July 2008... |
WCOH WCOH WCOH is a radio station broadcasting as an affiliate of Fox Sports Radio. Until January 2009, WCOH played a Classic Country format. Licensed to Newnan, Georgia, USA, it serves the Atlanta area. WCOH broadcasts Newnan High School football and baseball... -AM |
1400 AM |
| Rome Rome, Georgia Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Rome is the largest city and the county seat of Floyd County, Georgia, United States. It is the principal city of the Rome, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Floyd County... |
WATG WATG WATG is a radio station broadcasting a classic hits format. Licensed to Trion, Georgia, USA, the station serves the Rome GA area. The station is currently owned by TTA Broadcasting, Inc and features programing from ABC Radio. The station serves as the flagship station for the Rome Braves baseball... -FM |
95.7 FM |
| Sandersville Sandersville, Georgia Sandersville is a city in Washington County, Georgia, United States. The population was 6,097 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of Washington County... |
WJFL WJFL WJFL is a radio station broadcasting a Soft Adult Contemporary format. Licensed to Tennille, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Middle Georgia Broadcasting, Inc. and features programing from ABC Radio .... -FM |
101.9 FM |
| Savannah Savannah, Georgia Savannah is the largest city and the county seat of Chatham County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. Established in 1733, the city of Savannah was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia. Today Savannah is an industrial center and an important... |
WSEG WSEG WSEG is a radio station broadcasting an Adult Standards format. Licensed to Savannah, Georgia, USA, the station serves the Savannah area. The station is currently owned by Marmac Communications, LLC and features programming from Dial Global's Adult Standards format known as America's Best Music... -AM |
1400 AM |
| Savannah Savannah, Georgia Savannah is the largest city and the county seat of Chatham County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. Established in 1733, the city of Savannah was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia. Today Savannah is an industrial center and an important... |
WSEG WSEG WSEG is a radio station broadcasting an Adult Standards format. Licensed to Savannah, Georgia, USA, the station serves the Savannah area. The station is currently owned by Marmac Communications, LLC and features programming from Dial Global's Adult Standards format known as America's Best Music... -FM |
104.3 FM |
| Statesboro Statesboro, Georgia Statesboro is a city in southeast Georgia, United States, and is the county seat and most populous city of Bulloch County. Statesboro has a population of 28,422 and the Statesboro, GA Micropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 70,217... |
WPTB WPTB WPTB is a radio station broadcasting a Sports radio format. Licensed to Statesboro, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Georgia Eagle Broadcasting, Inc. and features programing from ESPN Radio.-History:... -AM |
850 AM |
| Swainsboro Swainsboro, Georgia Swainsboro is a city located in Emanuel County, Georgia. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 6,943. The city is the county seat of Emanuel County.-Geography:... |
WJAT WJAT WJAT is a radio station broadcasting a News Talk Information format. Licensed to Swainsboro, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Radiojones, LLC and features programing from ABC Radio and ESPN Radio.... -AM |
800 AM |
| Thomaston Thomaston, Georgia Thomaston is a city in and the county seat of Upson County, Georgia, United States. The population was 9,638 at the 2006 census. It is the principal city of and is included in the Thomaston, Georgia Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Gainesville,... |
WTGA-FM WTGA-FM WTGA-FM is a radio station broadcasting a Classic Hits format. Licensed to Thomaston, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Radio Georgia, Inc..-History:... |
101.1 FM |
| Toccoa Toccoa, Georgia Toccoa is a city in Stephens County, Georgia, United States located approximately from Athens and approximately northeast of Atlanta. The population was 9,323 at the 2000 census... |
WNEG WNEG (AM) WNEG is a radio station broadcasting an oldies format. Licensed to Toccoa, Georgia, USA, the station is currently owned by the Georgia-Carolina Radiocasting Company.-History:... -AM |
630 AM |
| Valdosta Valdosta, Georgia Valdosta is the county seat of Lowndes County, Georgia, United States. It is the principal city of the Valdosta Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total population of 54,518. The Valdosta metropolitan area, according to the 2010 estimate, has a population of 139,588... |
WJEM WJEM WJEM is a radio station broadcasting a sports format. Licensed to Valdosta, Georgia, USA, the station is currently owned by WJEM, Inc.-History:The station went on the air as WJEM on 2007-01-30.... -AM |
1150 AM |
| Valdosta Valdosta, Georgia Valdosta is the county seat of Lowndes County, Georgia, United States. It is the principal city of the Valdosta Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total population of 54,518. The Valdosta metropolitan area, according to the 2010 estimate, has a population of 139,588... |
WJEM WJEM WJEM is a radio station broadcasting a sports format. Licensed to Valdosta, Georgia, USA, the station is currently owned by WJEM, Inc.-History:The station went on the air as WJEM on 2007-01-30.... -FM |
96.1 FM |
| Vidalia Vidalia, Georgia Vidalia, is a city in Toombs and very slightly into Montgomery counties in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 10,491. It is the largest city in Toombs, but is not the county seat... |
WVOP WVOP WVOP is a radio station broadcasting a talk format and licensed to Vidalia, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Vidalia Communications Corporation and features programing from ABC Radio and Jones Radio Network.... -AM |
970 AM |
| Waycross Waycross, Georgia Waycross is the county seat of, and only incorporated city in, Ware County in the U.S. state of Georgia. The population was 14,725 at the 2010 Census. A small portion of the city extends into Pierce County. According the U.S... |
WFNS WFNS WFNS is a radio station broadcasting a Sports radio format. Licensed to Blackshear, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Marmac Communications, L.L.C. and features programing from CNN Radio, ESPN Radio and Westwood One.-History:... -AM |
1350 AM |
Alabama
| City | Call Sign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Birmingham, Alabama Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. The city is the county seat of Jefferson County. According to the 2010 United States Census, Birmingham had a population of 212,237. The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, in estimate by the U.S... |
WZNN | 97.3 FM |
| Foley Foley, Alabama Foley is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States.The 2000 census lists the population of the city as 7,590.Foley is a principal city of the Daphne–Fairhope–Foley Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Baldwin County.... |
WHEP WHEP WHEP is a radio station licensed to serve Foley, Alabama, USA. The station is owned by Stewart Broadcasting Company, Inc.-Programming:... -AM |
1310 AM |
Florida
| City | Call Sign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville Jacksonville, Florida Jacksonville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Florida in terms of both population and land area, and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. It is the county seat of Duval County, with which the city government consolidated in 1968... |
WJGH-FM | 107.3 FM |
Mississippi
| City | Call Sign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson Jackson, Mississippi Jackson is the capital and the most populous city of the US state of Mississippi. It is one of two county seats of Hinds County ,. The population of the city declined from 184,256 at the 2000 census to 173,514 at the 2010 census... |
WYAB WYAB WYAB 103.9 FM is a radio station serving the city of Jackson, Mississippi, including Madison County, Yazoo County, Rankin County, and Hinds County... -FM |
103.9 FM |
South Carolina
| City | Call Sign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston Charleston, South Carolina Charleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of the... |
WTMZ WTMZ WTMZ is a radio station broadcasting a sports format. Licensed to Dorchester, South Carolina, USA, it serves the Charleston SC area. The station is currently owned by Kirkman Broadcasting, Inc..-External links:... -AM |
910 AM |
| Clemson Clemson, South Carolina Clemson is a college town located in Pickens County in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 11,939 at the 2000 census and center of an urban cluster with a total population of 42,199... |
WCCP-FM WCCP-FM WCCP-FM is a Sports Talk radio station operating out of Clemson, South Carolina, under the name "The Drive 104.9". The station is licensed by the FCC to broadcast at 104.9 FM with an ERP of 4600 Watts.... |
104.9 FM |
Tennessee
| City | Call Sign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee Chattanooga is the fourth-largest city in the US state of Tennessee , with a population of 169,887. It is the seat of Hamilton County... |
WDEF WDEF (AM) WDEF is a radio station serving the Chattanooga, Tennessee, area. The station is currently owned by Bahakel Communications along with WDEF-FM, WDOD-FM, and WUUQ.... -AM |
1370 AM |
Virginia
| City | Call Sign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Lynchburg Lynchburg, Virginia Lynchburg is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The population was 75,568 as of 2010. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of the James River, Lynchburg is known as the "City of Seven Hills" or "The Hill City." Lynchburg was the only major city in... |
WBRG WBRG WBRG is a News/Talk/Sports formatted broadcast radio station licensed to and serving Lynchburg, Virginia. WBRG is owned and operated by Tri-County Broadcasting, Inc. .In Early 2008, WBRG started broadcasting on FM, on translator, W283AZ 104.5FM.... -AM |
1050 AM |
| Lynchburg Lynchburg, Virginia Lynchburg is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The population was 75,568 as of 2010. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of the James River, Lynchburg is known as the "City of Seven Hills" or "The Hill City." Lynchburg was the only major city in... |
WBRG WBRG WBRG is a News/Talk/Sports formatted broadcast radio station licensed to and serving Lynchburg, Virginia. WBRG is owned and operated by Tri-County Broadcasting, Inc. .In Early 2008, WBRG started broadcasting on FM, on translator, W283AZ 104.5FM.... -FM |
104.5 FM |
Public interest initiatives
A delegation from the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, on January 26, 2009 traveled to the Guantánamo Bay detention camps, in CubaCuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
, to sign autographs, and enhance the troops' morale.
While there, the cheerleaders toured the detention camps' hospital, and Camp IV, Camp V, & Camp VI.
External links
- Sports E-Cyclopedia.com
- The Atlanta Falcons at GeorgiaEncyclopedia.org